Another U-turn has been made in deciding the fate of a support centre for disabled children.

The closure of Nascot Lawn Respite Centre was announced earlier this year as part of the Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (HVCCG)’s efforts to save money.

Despite insisting that a decision would be made by November 2, a statement from the HVCCG released yesterday states that the deadline will be moved back.

This delay is to extend the deadline for parents and carers to express their views in writing, and to allow for any plans by a third-party to provide funding from Monday, October 23 to Monday, November 6.

In a meeting on Tuesday evening, which was billed as the last meeting before a decision was made, Chief Executive of Herts Valleys CCG Kathryn Magson declared that the decision should be made on November 2 to provide certainty for families and staff affected.

However, parents were quick to confirm that closing the centre on January 31 without sufficient provisions being put in place for the children provides little comfort as they feel that it may put their children at risk.

A panel will decide if the centre remains fully funded, has all funding is cut, if it is secured through the CCG and Hertfordshire County Council, or to proceed with a flagship scheme introduced by the parents.

Hertfordshire County Council John Wood attended the meeting on Tuesday and he confirmed that HCC would confirm on Monday whether HCC would be able to part fund the centre from its social care budget.

Parents have expressed their preference for the service to remain with funding from both the CCG and HCC, but insist without knowing what HCC confirming their intentions it cannot be thought of as a viable option.

MP for Watford Richard Harrington said: “Extending the consultation process is a small victory but it does show that the CCG are listening to our concerns.

“There’s a lot more work to be done but my priority at this stage is ensuring we have the time to work on a construction solution, and to consider all options properly.

“No one wants to see Nascot Lawn close its doors, it’s a lifeline to these families and a real treasure within our community.

“It’s vitally important that we all work together to give parents the clarity that they deserve.”

Chief Executive of Herts Valleys CCG, Kathryn Magson said: “I’d like to thank all of the families and others who have taken the time to meet with us over recent months under what I appreciate are difficult circumstances.

“The county council is key to resolving much of the uncertainty for parents and I very much hope that they will engage fully with this decision-making process.

“Our decision must also reflect the CCG’s statutory responsibility to work within our allocated budget and prioritise spending on health services that we have a duty to commission.”